Exodus Chapter 2: Lessons from Moses’ Life on Becoming a Servant Leader for God

Introduction: Exodus chapter 2, along with parts of Acts chapter 7 and Hebrews chapter 11, reveal portions of the first 40 years of Moses’ life. In the Bible, the number 40 is associated with testing. His first 40 years was a time of testing for both his family and for him. In the beginning, God tested his parents’ faith when they faced a death sentence by protecting Moses. During his first 40 years, God also tested Moses. He did this by transforming him from a pauper to a prince. He then tested Moses with the choice between his power and freeing his oppressed people. God then tested him again by transforming him from a prince to a pauper.

Exodus chapter 2 should be read on three levels. First, it is an account of Moses’ development into God’s appointed savior. Second, the account foreshadows Jesus’ rise as our appointed savior. Finally, Moses’ first 40 years reveals seven lessons for being a servant leader.

First, from the example of the faith of Moses’ parents in hiding him at risk of their own death and then placing him into an ark, God reveals that He wants you to also have faith in Him in order for Him to use you. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. Second, from the example of Moses’ transformation from a poor slave into an Egyptian prince, He reveals that He can use you and transform you no matter what your background may be. Third, through Moses’ exile following his murder of an Egyptian, He reveals that He can use you when you act according to the Spirit and not the flesh. Fourth, also from the murder Moses committed, He reveals that He can use you when you repent no matter how serious your sins may be. Fifth, from Moses’ transformation from prince to a pauper, He reveals that He can use you when you leave behind the things of the world for Him. Sixth, from Moses’ life as a sojourner in Midian, He reveals that He can use you when you live in the world but not of the world. Finally, from the revelation of God’s compassion for His people suffering in bondage, He reveals that He wants you to be willing to help others who are still trapped in bondage.

1. God Can Use You When You Have Faith in Him. Ex. 2:1-3.

Nicolas Poussin 1593/94 – 1665 Moses abandoned1

2. God Can Use You No Matter Where You Come From. Ex. 2:4-10.

Paolo Veronese 1528 – 1588 Moses Found2

3. God Can Use You When You Walk by the Spirit, Not the Flesh. Ex. 2:11-12.

Botticelli ca. 1445 – 1510 Scenes from the Life of Moses3

4. When You Repent, God Can Use You No Matter How Serious Your Sins. Ex. 2:13-14.

5. God Can Use You When Leave Your Worldly Things Behind. Ex. 2:15.

6. God Can Use You When You Live in the World, but Not of the World. Ex. 2:16-22.

7. God is Looking For You to Free Others Who Are Still in Bondage. Ex. 2:23-25.